Getting Back Into It!

Alright gang, I know it has been WAAAAAAY too long since I last posted. *Insert Elsie's most sincere apology here. I know it's not a valid excuse but I have been so tied down. Busy would be an understatement. 

My fellow college students can understand the strain and anxiety that accompany FINALS week. FINALS--such an evil word. Before that, I was on Thanksgiving break.  I took some time off with the purpose of rebooting my system. I spent time strictly with my family and friends whom I had missed dearly. I wanted to permeate myself with good vibes and feelings before I attempted to tackle the end of this overwhelming semester. 

During the week prior and the week of finals week...my health suffered. I'm gonna be honest. I was not treating my body like a temple. Let's just say it was not on the priority list. THIS IS BAD. Your health should ALWAYS be on the priority list, no matter how hectic life gets. Health is a privilege, a gift. Your overall morale and satisfaction with life will be exceptionally better if you treat yourself right!

I was denying myself sufficient sleep. I went to Taco Bell and in the same day I went to Publix and bought a half gallon of Blue Bell ice cream. I ate it in less than a week, without help I might add. Not a proud moment. I neglected to work out. I was eating whatever was easy. Accessible. Needless to say, taking the time to cook a nutritious meal was unappealing. I'm sure this situation sounds familiar to you all. I assume I'm not alone on this one. 

Now, this is where I say, you can turn this back around!! Do not get discouraged. Simply realize that you need to change your habits and take the steps to do it. 


Here are some tips for "Getting Back Into It!"

1. Make EASY wholesome meals that do not require cooking! This way it doesn't take much time away from your study sessions. 
Lunch and Dinner: Summery Salad- Greens, sunflower seeds, Feta cheese, crisp red apples and red wine vinegar dressing
*For protein, add roles of deli meat such as turkey or ham 
Breakfast: Greek yogurt (I use Cabot vanilla bean), granola of choice, raspberries, dash of cinnamon, drizzled honey

2. Say YES to opportunities to exercise
--My roommate asked me if I wanted to join her for a run one night and I said yes! Let me just say, I DESPISE running. I wish I liked it. But unless I am being chased by a chain saw...running is not my first choice of exercise. I always wonder when the whole "runner's high" comes in. You know when they say, "I ran that far, so it just made me want to keep running." Yeah, that phenomenon does not happen to me. Anyway, I went and I was extremely impressed with myself. I did not stop once and I kept a steady pace the whole time! It was such an encouragement!! This illustrated to me that if you commit, your body can get back into it quicker than you think. 

3. RELAX
When you are overwhelmed with stress, neither your brain nor your body functions properly. Like I did over Thanksgiving break, take a bit of time to recharge. Once you are refilled with energy, you will be ready to accomplish your goals with conviction! 

Remember health is the true wealth! Keep it on the priority list! Share your tips on "Getting Back Into It" in the comments below! 

Stay Golden,
Elsie <3